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Introduction
Introduction
Harassment comes in many forms, and it's important to recognize them all. This will help you understand the different types of harassment and what behaviours are not okay.
Verbal Harassment
Verbal Harassment
What It Is: Using words to demean, belittle, or hurt someone. This can happen in person, over the phone, or even in written communication like emails.
π« Examples:
Name-calling like "stupid" or "lazy"
Offensive jokes targeting someone's race, gender, or religion
Making fun of someone's accent or way of speaking
π Why It's Harmful: Verbal harassment can create a hostile work environment and affect someone's mental well-being.
Workplace Bullying
Workplace Bullying
What It Is: Workplace bullying is when someone at work uses their power or behavior to make you feel bad, scared, or less important. This can happen in many ways and doesn't have to be physical.
π« Examples:
Constantly criticizing you for no reason
Spreading rumors about you
Ignoring or excluding you on purpose
Yelling or using mean words to put you down
Giving you impossible tasks just to see you fail
π Why It's Harmful: Bullying can make you dread going to work and can even affect your health. It's bad for everyone because it creates a negative environment where people are afraid to speak up or be themselves.
Discriminatory Harassment
Discriminatory Harassment
What It Is: Harassment based on protected characteristics as defined by Ontario's Human Rights Code. These include race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, and disability.
π« Examples:
Making fun of someone's religious clothing or practices
Using racial slurs or stereotypes
Making ageist comments like "you're too old to understand this"
Discriminating based on someone's sexual orientation or gender identity
Making derogatory comments about someone's disability
π Why It's Harmful: Discriminatory harassment can lead to a culture of exclusion and inequality, making it difficult for victims to thrive in the workplace.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
What It Is: Using technology like emails, texts, or social media to harass someone. This can happen during or outside of work hours.
π« Examples:
Sending mean or threatening texts
Posting embarrassing photos without consent
Spreading rumours or lies online
π Why It's Harmful: Cyberbullying can lead to emotional distress and can even affect someone's reputation both inside and outside the workplace.
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